Cal State Northridge pulled off a stunning upset at LionTree Arena, taking down UC San Diego 84-79 in a non-conference showdown. The Matadors, ranked 213 in the net rankings, handed the 107th-ranked Tritons a devastating loss, one that will surely have real consequences for UC San Diego's tournament chances. This victory was a monumental upset, considering the large disparity in rankings between the two teams.
The game got off to a blistering start, with Cal State Northridge racing out to a 39-30 lead at halftime. The Matadors' offense was clicking on all cylinders, with Josiah Davis leading the charge. The star guard poured in 23 points and dished out 7 assists, showcasing his incredible all-around skills. James Evans Jr. also had a big game for Cal State Northridge, scoring 22 points to help pace the Matadors' attack.
UC San Diego, on the other hand, struggled to find its footing in the first half. Despite a strong effort from Alex Chaikin, who finished with 22 points, the Tritons couldn't seem to slow down the Matadors' high-powered offense. Tom Beattie and Leo Beath also chipped in with 13 and 12 points, respectively, but it wasn't enough to overcome the deficit.
In the second half, UC San Diego made a push to get back in the game, outscoring Cal State Northridge 49-45. However, the Matadors' lead was too much to overcome, and they held on for the 84-79 victory. The win was a huge statement for Cal State Northridge, which had been seeking a signature victory to bolster its tournament resume.
The loss is a significant blow to UC San Diego's tournament chances, as it falls into the category of a Quadrant 4 loss. This defeat will likely drop the Tritons in the rankings and make their path to the tournament more difficult. On the other hand, the win is a massive boost for Cal State Northridge, which earns a Quadrant 2 victory. This result will undoubtedly improve the Matadors' standing in the rankings and give them a much-needed shot of momentum as they continue their season.
Without a pre-game prediction to reference, it's clear that Cal State Northridge exceeded expectations with this impressive upset. As the season wears on, the Matadors want to build on this momentum and make a push for the tournament. For UC San Diego, the focus will shift to regrouping and rebounding from this tough loss. The Tritons must refocus and come out strong in their next game to avoid letting this setback derail their tournament aspirations. With this result, Cal State Northridge has significantly improved its tournament chances, while UC San Diego's prospects have taken a hit.